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Soul Calibur IV burns two million souls worldwide
Namco Bandai's ridiculously cross-branded Soul Calibur IV has cut a deep swath into retail shelves worldwide, shipping not one million units but two since its July 29 debut. Still, and not to make an example out of you, Namco, but really all of this chest puffery over units shipped is a bit overblown. It's like bragging about how many pencils you threw at the ceiling, rather than what's really important, namely how many stuck. Then again, we imagine it's difficult to look up and count while you're ducking under the desk from falling profits.
New games this week: Soul Calibur IV edition
Try as we might to fully embrace the idea, the inclusion of Yoda and Darth Vader to the Soul Calibur series still feels like something we would have dreamed when we were 12, told our friends about and then been mercilessly teased for. In fact, we won't be entirely sure the whole thing's not an elaborate prank being pulled on us by Namco-Bandai until we get our hands on a retail disc, which, appropriately enough, will be this week.Also this week, Sam and Max come to the Wii, as does the completely mystifying Summer Athletics The Ultimate Challenge. We hear you can train to be the top runner guy and get the platinum medallion for running challenges.
Soul Calibur IV demo coming 'down the road'
Fighting fans hoping for a pre-launch lightsaber throw down will wait until Soul Calibur IV cuts into retail shelves later this month, as Namco Bandai informs us that a demo for the game won't be available until after the game is released.According to reps manning the company's E3 room, the devs are currently putting all of their effort towards getting the game ready for its release for the PS3 and Xbox 360 on July 29. As for what and when exactly we can expect from the demo when it's finally released, Namco Bandai wouldn't say, teasing only that it'll be available sometime "down the road."
Soul Calibur IV getting tag teams of some kind
When Soul Calibur's cadre of fighters cut their way onto the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this July in North America, they will do so in pairs. The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that the game will feature tag team elements in order to "perform combos" based on an on-screen meter that depletes as characters continue to test the bonds of friendship.However, according to crack CAG translators, it remains unknown to what extent "character swapping" will be featured in Soul Calibur IV. The article interestingly only mentions the mechanic in reference to the game's single player mode, and that "teammates may suddenly join and leave at the end of the battle." We can't imagine that Namco Bandai would be so shortsighted as to leave something like this out of the game's versus mode. Still, we imagine that just the idea of Darth Vader conquering the galaxy shoulder to shoulder with top-heavy Taki (or Ivy, or Cassandra, or...) is enough to get fan fiction writers reaching for the keyboard and a change of pants.
ESRB Watch: Swan Song Edition
Yeah we know the post title is a bit needlesssly grim. Let's face it, we're going to still be getting some information about releases from the ESRB. And hopefully some publishers simply won't much care about putting their games up there early. Others like Playful Entertainment, publishers of Ticket to Ride, seem to still want their ratings to go up at the last minute (TtR releases this week). However, if we're to believe that the publishers of the other two XBLA games on the list (Rocket Riot and Cribbage) also want their games to pop up at the last minute, we could be looking at the first hint of next week's releases. Or we could just be paranoid about this whole ESRB thing.
Soul Calibur IV gameplay video dump
In addition to yesterday's cinematic trailer, which gave us a fantastic look at the game's three combatants from a galaxy far, far away, a plethora of gameplay videos for Soul Calibur IV also recently made their way into GameTrailer's expansive archives. Other than the addition of a few new characters and a graphical overhaul, it's tough to pick out any changes that Namco Bandai has incorporated into their armament-rich fighting franchise -- we suppose the Soul Calibur series has adopted the official mantra of the fighting genre: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The above preview and those embedded after the jump certainly don't look broken, and have imbued in us an insatiable hunger for well-timed counters, guard impacts, and incredibly overdramatic dialogue.
See Vader's apprentice in Soulcalibur IV form
Click for high-resolution image. So, last night we revealed that Darth Vader's secret apprentice from the upcoming LucasArts title, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, was heading to Soulcalibur IV. Today, we've got some screenshots of the dark lord in training. He looks quite accurate to his Force Unleashed avatar. You can also see him in action in the clip after the break. Now, all we're hoping for is Ivy to appear in The Force Unleashed. You know, to make full use of that Euphoria engine. Soulcalibur IV is out July 29.%Gallery-24534%
'Dark Apprentice' shows some moves in Soul Calibur IV vid
We knew Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed would join the fight in Soul Calibur IV, and here he is in all his Dark Side-ian glory. Unlike the console exclusive Star Wars characters in SC IV -- Darth Vader for PS3 and Yoda on Xbox 360 -- the Secret Apprentice will be a playable on both consoles.Oh, and if you care, the video also shows a tiny bit more of the actual non tie-in Soul Calibur cast.%Gallery-6043%
Soulcalibur IV adds one more lightsaber to roster
No, you're not seeing things, and no we haven't made a gargantuan mistake by having a Star Wars: The Force Unleashed pic on a Soulcalibur IV story. It, basically, is the story. For you see, according to Gamespot, not only is Darth Vader making his way into the PS3 version of Soulcalibur IV, but his dark apprentice will be following close behind. However, the apprentice will be the only guest Star Wars character to go multiplatform as both Vader and Yoda will remain console exclusives.It's quite interesting to see all these cross-genre, cross-developer crossovers. Another prominent one is Assassin's Solid. We wonder which two developers will unite and surprise us next.
Here's a look at three new Soulcalibur IV femme fatales
Perhaps you've seen Shura already, but have you met Ashlotte? You probably haven't witnessed Setsuka's new look for Soulcalibur IV either. If you haven't seen any of these three lovely ladies from the upcoming Soulcalibur IV then make sure you watch this slide show gallery to check them out.Setsuka is a returning character who first made an appearance in Soulcalibur III. Ashlotte, on the other hand, is another one of those characters manifested from SC IV's anime collaborations. Ashlotte wields a giant halberd-like weapon and dresses like a gothic doll. While all these new anime-inspired characters are pretty interesting, we did notice one odd thing. Have you noticed that they're all female? No new male designs in the works here guys? Anyway, that's nothing to complain about ... especially after seeing Voldo's bouncy crotch physics in today's earlier vid. Female characters are just fine thanks.
Soulcalibur IV gets another big-breasted, scantily clad character
A new female character wearing a horned-skull and a thong has been revealed for Soulcalibur IV. The new character named Shura, seen in blurry magazine photos, is yet another collaborative design by non-Namco anime artists. The creator of the manga series Gantz, Hiroya Oku, sculpted this new vixen's noticeable curves. The only other thing we know about this new character is that it appears she'll be wielding two katana blades for her Soulcalibur debut.With Soulcalibur IV aiming for a July 29 release in North America, we're wondering if there will be anymore new character reveals to come. And if so, then which anime artist will be called upon for the design? Can we please have Osamu Tezuka for an Astro Boy-esque character?[Via N4G]
More SC IV characters revealed: Rock, Talim, Yoshimitsu
This update is the cherry on our hot fudge sundae. While we've already seen the majority of Soulcalibur alumni return to Soulcalibur IV, we've yet to gander upon these three combatants. Rock, Talim, and Yoshimitsu are all making their way back into the fourth game. While this isn't a surprise, it's always exciting to get that first look.Rock's axe/mace swinging and stylish animal hide headgear is always welcomed, and Talim's quick-as-wind tonfas never fail as far as fun factor goes. Yoshimitsu's seashell-themed design is a little strange, but it's not a big deal. Check out the rest of the pics at Famitsu.
Soulcalibur IV 'tournament kit' revealed -- most disappointing
Were you hoping for a totally awesome Soulcalibur IV package when you heard they had a "tournament kit" ready for your consumption with the limited edition release? Sorry to burst your bubble, but it seems the secret tourney item has been revealed. It's a bracket card. Yep. A card and nothing more.What is interesting is the varied t-shirt content with the game. PS3 owners will get a black shirt featuring Darth Vader and Mitsurugi, whereas the 360 owners get a white shirt with Yoda and Siegfried. Both shirts only come in size XL, because come on, what's the stereotype for video gamers? That's right -- we all love Star Wars, too. Don't be rude.
Rumor: Soulcalibur IV may feature 'equipment destruction'
It's just a phrase, but "equipment destruction" can mean a lot of things. For Soulcalibur IV, it doesn't just refer to disarming your opponent, but cracking through their armor Valkyrie Profile 2 style to get to their weakpoints. So to speak. Apparently, the idea exists that you'll be able to chip away at Hilde's armor and break down Siegfried's mail. But, as Siliconera pointed out, not all characters in Soulcalibur really wear all that much. A lot of characters wear fabric outfits, while others seem to wear an outfit made completely of dental floss. So it's anyone's guess if this concept comes to fruition, but it's absolutely on the table.
Soulcalibur IV media blowout: screens, video
Click for high-resolution image. You may know that Darth Vader is one of the new characters in the upcoming Soulcalibur IV, but Namco Bandai showed off even more fighters in yesterday's media event. Angol is an incredibly cute fairy-esque female fighter, that's more than eager to beat you with a giant stick. The hard-to-spell Scheherazade looks like a character that's one part Zelda, and one part Folklore. You can check out both these new characters in our updated gallery, filled with high resolution images.Feel free to check out a new video, after the cut.%Gallery-4984%
Soulcalibur IV dated for July 29
It's nice to know that the eternal telling of souls and swords will continue this Summer -- more accurately on July 29 for North America. While we're ecstatic that we now have a solid date for Soulcalibur IV, it isn't the only new information circulating the interwebs. Namco Bandai also revealed that the game will come in both regular and limited Premium Edition packaging.Included in the Premium Edition is an art book/comic that serves as a prequel leading up to the events in Soulcalibur IV. Also included is an ambiguously described "tournament kit" that "give fans the opportunity to document the battle amongst friends." It's not clear as to what exactly that involves. Premium Edition buyers will also have access to exclusive customization content. Following the pricing standards of other high-end low-end specs, the Premium Ed. and regular version will be priced at US$79.99 and US$59.99 respectively.
Soul Calibur IV coming July 29 in regular and 'premium' editions
A tale eternally retold (and resold), the Soul Calibur franchise will be making its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 debut on July 29th in North America. In case you haven't been staying abreast with the fighting franchise's ample development, Soul Calibur IV sees the character roster expanding in an inverse proportion to the size of Ivy's clothes. At last count, the cast included an undead demon pirate, a Sith lord, an asthmatic S&M fetishist and a little green friend. Oh well, at least Spawn's not in this one.As excited as we are, purchasing the game won't be as easy as simply walking to the store shelf and stuffing it into our trench coats, like we normally do. It seems Namco Bandai has constructed a chicane of decisions for us all: Want to play as Darth Vader right away? Get the PlayStation 3 version. Perhaps you'd prefer Yoda instead? That's the Xbox 360 version. Would you like a comic book, a "tournament kit" and "extra customization content?" Oh, you want the $79.99 Premium Edition ... don't you?
Eminence records Soulcalibur IV orchestral score
Eminence, a Sydney-based orchestra known mostly for their renditions of popular anime and videogame scores, has been tasked to record the orchestral set pieces for Soulcalibur IV. All in all, Eminence recorded seven music pieces at Trackdown Studios in Sydney, Australia. Eminence's director and concert master, Hiroaki Yura, told IGN that the music they recorded was "mostly the opening, the ending credit, player selection [screen] ... and a little bit of battle music."Junichi Nakatsuru, the composer for Soulcalibur IV, was also on hand to oversee the recording of his masterpieces. He stated that he was conscious about bringing out the game's story through music. Not just the new title's story but the series long tale: "This Soulcalibur IV project itself is basically the result of all the previous Soulcaliburs and I'm taking all the good bits [from those games]... and building on them."With a talented group of musicians working on a passionate composer's work, it's safe to assume we can expect to hear excellent music in the final game. To hear just how good Eminence sounds, have a listen to the clip after the break. The clip showcases music from a game unrelated to Soulcalibur; however, we think you'll be impressed from the mad skills nonetheless.
Soul Calibur IV's Amy, Cervantes and Zasalamel revealed in screenshots
While Soul Calibur IV's trio of Amy, Cervantes and Zasalamel were first revealed this week in the pages of Famitsu, we find that we're often far too busy to be bothered with flipping through a magazine looking at pictures, let alone one we can't even read. That's why we're thrilled that Namco Bandai has sent out some screens showing off the characters as they make the high-def leap from the PS2-exclusive Soul Calibur III to this summer's sequel. Still, as fearsome as Cervantes is (just look at that pirate scowl, you know he means business), we still wonder how even he will handle dealing with Jedi. %Gallery-6043%
Latest Soulcalibur IV scan reveals new character, returning cast
A new Famitsu scan, a new Soulcalibur IV character revealed. This time, one more fresh female face joins the roster; her name is Angol Fear. She sounds frightening, doesn't she? Angol Fear is said to be a character from the Keroro Gunsou anime. It's an odd choice for a guest character if you ask us. Seems a little too niche. It begs the question: is this character even going to make it in the North American version? A second question comes to mind: why are there no Namco guest characters? We'd love to see more Tekken cameos, or even Kos-Mos from Xenosaga -- that is, if there are no business complications on that end.Anyway, Soulcalibur fanatics will love this info: Cervantes and Zasalamel are returning. Amy from Soulcalibur III will also be returning. With the news of this latest revelation, the majority of Soulcalibur alumni have now been confirmed. We're still missing the likes of Setsuka, Talim, Yoshimitsu, and Rock. Talim, deary, where are you?
